The International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series is presented by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (IATAS) during the International Emmy Awards ceremony. The category is described on the official International Academy website as being open to drama series which are "a dramatic production in which theme, storyline, and main characters are presented under the same title, with the intention to develop beyond a first season." The award was first given in 2002, for the awards covering programmes screened in 2001.